La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme, 2012

With a name like that youve got to be aiming at putting a smile on the wearers face, and to its credit La Vie Est Belle, even while showing all the telltale signs of design by committee, is a good stab at conveying the spirit of optimism in olfactory terms. First, it gives people what they like. Theres something sweet for our diabetic age: patchouli, praline, tonka, treated in a carefree, candy floss manner. Images of Isabella Lwin romping on a beach against a dayglo sky, singing I Want Candy come to my mind (Youre the guy the doctor ordered/ So sweet you make my mouth water). There are tart, bouncy, fruity notes for contrast; shorthand for youthfulness, it would appear. The floral notes are light, abstracted and stripped of indolic portentousness, so white floral haters can approach without fear. Second, it disdains obvious complexity and depth; nothing is going to weigh down its tread. Of course the perfumers (three were involved) would probably disagree, it likely takes considerable fine tuning to balance the notes. On that question of balance, it would be remiss not mention the iris, which is calmly right at the centre of this perfume, bringing a touch of something vegetal and aloof, around which revolve the other tailwagging puppy dog notes. Does it make me go, Oh wow just what Ive been waiting for? No. There are way too many of these kinds of creations out there; its a kind of Disneyfication of perfumery aimed at women. Nonetheless, it is skilful in what it does and many will take it to their hearts. Its also the kind of perfume one could safely gift to someone who likes wearing perfume but doesnt have pronounced tastes.

This is an absolutely gorgeous fragrance. I just purchased a bottle of this today, after testing the scent in Macy's the day before. I have been reading many reviews, and it seems everyone is concerned with the popularity of gourmand scents....that this is just another to add to the group, and that they will smell like everyone else..... I do love the gourmand scents, and I especially love the softness to a powdery dry-down, so if that is your style this scent is for sure for you. Before purchasing, my go-to scent was Flowerbomb, (or Dolce and Gabanna The One) FB is similar to La Vie Est Belle....but I think FB is much sweeter. I can actually pin point each layer of scent in this perfume....From the pear and current in the top notes, the Iris and orange blossom in the middle notes, to the lovely vanilla, praline, patchouli dry-down....it is simply lovely and elegant. It has great lasting power as well, It is a strong scent so use sparingly (although, I don't think it is any stronger than FB is). It is classy and sexy....the husband absolutely loves it. I am extremely happy with this purchase :) Lancome does not disappoint with this one. And, I'm glad my mother hated it LOL, she's the one who stole Tresor from me years back....(and so, I became a Flowerbomb-er :) I do have several scents that I wear from time to time, LOVE all the Philosophy (pure grace is my favorite) and CLEAN lines, and I also like Tocca Guiletta, just to get an idea of my tastes. I hope you all enjoy this scent as much as I am :) And to all of you who have all these rotten things to say about Julia Roberts and her photo........what is WRONG with you LOL? She is gorgeous, I hope I age that well. <3 Monique